The Himalayas are silent in winter. Snow blankets the ancient stone temple at 3,583 meters above sea level, and the divine flame waits patiently for the next season of devotion. But come spring, the mountains come alive — and so does the spiritual heart of millions of Hindu pilgrims across India and the world.
Kedarnath Temple — one of the 12 sacred Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva — will officially open its doors on April 22, 2026, at 8:00 AM.
This date was solemnly announced on the auspicious occasion of Maha Shivaratri (February 15, 2026) during a traditional ceremony at the Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath, the winter seat of Lord Kedarnath. With the opening just around the corner, now is the perfect time to plan, register, and prepare for one of the most transformative spiritual journeys of your life.
📅 Kedarnath Opening Date 2026 — At a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Opening Date | April 22, 2026 |
| Opening Time | 8:00 AM |
| Announced By | Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) |
| Announced On | Maha Shivaratri, February 15, 2026 |
| Expected Closing Date | Late October / November 2026 (Bhai Dooj) |
| Temple Location | Garhwal Himalayas, Uttarakhand |
| Altitude | 3,583 meters (11,755 feet) |
Note: The temple is closed for darshan daily between 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM.
How Is the Kedarnath Opening Date Decided?
This is a question many first-time pilgrims wonder about — and the answer lies in a beautiful blend of ancient tradition and astronomical precision.
Every year, the opening date is announced on Maha Shivaratri by the priests and Rawal of the Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath, where the deity resides during the winter months. The dates are determined by expert Vedic scholars through careful study of the Panchang (Hindu astrological almanac), and the opening traditionally coincides with or falls close to the auspicious day of Akshaya Tritiya.
In 2026, Akshaya Tritiya falls on April 19, which is why the Kedarnath kapat (doors) open on April 22 — just three days after this most auspicious of tithis. This is completely in line with tradition.
The Panchmukhi Doli Yatra — The Journey Before the Opening
What most people don’t know is that the Kedarnath pilgrimage season actually begins before the temple even opens. A grand ceremonial procession called the Panchmukhi Doli Yatra carries the sacred idol of Lord Kedarnath from Ukhimath back to the temple.
Here’s how the Doli Yatra typically unfolds:
Day 1: The ornately decorated Panchmukhi Doli departs from Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath and arrives at Vishwanath Temple in Guptkashi, where it rests overnight. Thousands of devotees line the route to catch a glimpse of the procession, ringing bells and chanting prayers.
Day 2: The Doli travels from Guptkashi to Phata, spending the night there.
Day 3 and beyond: The journey continues through the Himalayan terrain until the Doli reaches Kedarnath, where, amidst the blowing of conch shells, Vedic chants, and the tears of thousands of devotees, the temple doors are officially opened at the appointed time.
This ceremony is not just a ritual — it is a living, breathing expression of devotion that has continued for over a thousand years.
Char Dham Yatra 2026 — All Opening Dates
Kedarnath is part of the sacred Char Dham Yatra, one of the most revered pilgrimage circuits in Hinduism. Here are the 2026 opening dates for all four dhams:
| Temple | Opening Date |
|---|---|
| Yamunotri | April 19, 2026 (Akshaya Tritiya) |
| Gangotri | April 19, 2026 |
| Kedarnath | April 22, 2026 |
| Badrinath | April 23, 2026 |
If you’re planning the complete Char Dham Yatra, the pilgrimage traditionally follows this order: Yamunotri → Gangotri → Kedarnath → Badrinath.
Best Time to Visit Kedarnath in 2026
The yatra season runs from late April to November, but not all months are equal. Here’s a month-by-month breakdown to help you choose wisely:
Late April to May — Fresh season energy, snow still visible around the temple, cold mornings, and a magical atmosphere. Ideal for photography enthusiasts and those who want a raw, unspoiled Himalayan experience. Expect cooler temperatures (2°C to 12°C).
June to Early July — Peak rush period but more comfortable weather. Great for families and senior citizens. This is when helicopter and trek bookings fill up fastest.
Mid-July to August (Monsoon) — Heavy rains, potential landslides, and route disruptions are common. Travel only if you are flexible and experienced. Not recommended for first-time visitors.
September to October — Arguably the best time to visit. Post-monsoon skies are crystal clear, Himalayan views are breathtaking, trails are relatively less crowded, and the weather is pleasant during the day. Nights get cold, especially in October.
Kedarnath Yatra Registration 2026 — Mandatory for All Pilgrims
Starting from recent yatra seasons, registration is compulsory for all pilgrims visiting Kedarnath. Without completing registration, you will not be allowed to proceed beyond the checkpoints — regardless of whether you have hotel bookings or helicopter tickets.
This system has been introduced by the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board (UTDB) to regulate crowd flow, ensure pilgrim safety, and coordinate emergency support in case of weather disruptions.
How to Register:
- Visit the official portal: registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in
- Download the Tourist Care Uttarakhand mobile app
- WhatsApp “Yatra” to +91-8394833833
Registration is completely free and opens approximately in early March 2026. You will need a government-issued photo ID (Aadhaar Card, Passport, or Voter ID), a recent photograph, and your planned date of travel. Upon successful registration, you’ll receive a Yatra e-pass with a QR code.
If you’re planning the full Char Dham Yatra, you can register for all four dhams in a single form.
How to Reach Kedarnath in 2026
Kedarnath is accessible only by trek or helicopter — there is no motorable road to the temple itself. Here’s how to get there:
By Road + Trek: Travel to Rishikesh or Haridwar, then proceed by road to Sonprayag. From Sonprayag, government shuttle services take you to Gaurikund, which is the official starting point of the trek. The trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath Temple is approximately 16 to 18 km and typically takes 6 to 8 hours depending on fitness and weather. Pony and palki (palanquin) services are available for those who need assistance.
By Helicopter: Helicopter services operate from helipads at Phata, Sersi, and Guptkashi. This is the fastest and most comfortable way to reach the temple. Bookings for helicopter services open online well before the yatra season and tend to fill up very quickly, so book early.
What to Pack for Kedarnath Yatra
The high-altitude environment of Kedarnath demands careful preparation. Here’s what you should carry:
Clothing: Warm woollens, thermals, a heavy jacket, waterproof outer layer, and comfortable trekking shoes with good grip. Even in summer, mornings and evenings can be very cold.
Health and Safety: Basic medicines, altitude sickness tablets (consult your doctor in advance), sunscreen, lip balm, and a first-aid kit. If you have a pre-existing heart condition or respiratory issue, consult your doctor before the yatra and carry a medical fitness certificate.
Documents: Yatra registration e-pass (QR code), photo ID, and two to three passport-size photos.
Other Essentials: Trekking poles, a refillable water bottle, energy bars, dry fruits, and a small backpack. Do not carry excessive weight on the trek.
Kedarnath Closing Date 2026 — When Does the Temple Shut?
The temple closes annually on Bhai Dooj, which follows two days after Diwali. For 2026, the tentative closing date is expected to be in late October or early November 2026. The official closing date will be announced on Vijayadashami (Dussehra).
After the closing ceremony, the holy idol of Lord Kedarnath is ceremonially shifted back to the Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath, where winter worship continues until the next season begins.
Tips for a Smooth and Meaningful Kedarnath Yatra
Here are a few practical tips that can make all the difference on your pilgrimage:
- Book early. Helicopter tickets, hotels, and pony services fill up very fast, especially in the weeks after the temple opens and in September-October. Start your bookings as soon as registration opens in March.
- Acclimatize before trekking. Spend a night in Guptkashi or Sonprayag to help your body adjust to the altitude before the main trek.
- Start trekking early. Begin your trek by 4–5 AM so you can reach the temple comfortably and have enough time for darshan before the afternoon closure.
- Stay hydrated, eat light. High altitude can affect your digestion. Avoid heavy, oily food. Drink plenty of water throughout.
- Respect the environment. Kedarnath is a UNESCO-recognised ecologically sensitive zone. Carry your waste back with you. Do not litter the trails or the temple area.
- Be patient at the gates. During peak season, queues for darshan can be very long. Maintain composure — you are on a sacred journey.
A Moment of Devotion in the Himalayas
There is something profoundly humbling about standing before the ancient stone sanctum of Kedarnath Temple, with snow-capped peaks towering above and the sacred Mandakini River rushing below. The cold air, the smell of camphor and marigold, the rhythmic chanting of priests, the distant sound of bells — it all comes together into an experience that cannot be described in words, only felt.
Whether you are a devout pilgrim or a curious traveler, Kedarnath will leave an imprint on your soul that stays with you long after you’ve returned home.
The doors open on April 22, 2026. Har Har Mahadev. 🙏